
7 Simple Ways to Save Money While Traveling in 2025
Traveling is at the top of many people’s bucket lists. However, the rising costs of flights, accommodations, and activities can make it feel out of reach. Luckily, you can use several clever strategies and digital tools to save on your adventures. While still having an unforgettable time. Here’s how to make your travel dreams a reality without blowing your budget.
1. Book Accommodations Wisely
Hotels are typically the default choice but rarely the most budget-friendly. Home swaps have recently surged in popularity thanks to platforms like HomeExchange, where you can trade living spaces with someone else. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more personal, local experience.
Co-living spaces are worth researching if you travel solo or work remotely. They’re popping up in trendy cities and idyllic towns, offering affordable stays with communal kitchens and fast WiFi. Another hack is to check if your chosen Airbnb offers long-stay discounts, as many hosts may slash prices for weeklong or month long bookings. Additionally, look into the most affordable destinations. These are places where your currency stretches further or where food and accommodation costs are lower.
2. Don’t Overpack
Airlines charge more than ever for checked luggage, so packing light is crucial for saving money and avoiding unnecessary stress. Stick to carry-on bags, and choose versatile clothing you can mix and match.
Packing cubes are a game-changer for keeping your items organised, and reusable travel-sized bottles can help you save on toiletries. Free up even more space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Budget airlines have strict size restrictions for carry-ons, so double-check the dimensions before you leave. You’re unlikely to leave your destination without a souvenir or two. Make sure to pack only two-thirds of your suitcase. This leaves enough space for trinkets you may pick up.

3. Use Public Transport
Rental cars are pricey, and rideshare fees add up fast, especially in popular destinations. Public transport is affordable and a great way to explore a city like a local. Many towns offer tourist-friendly passes that cover buses, trains and trams for a set price. In destinations like Japan and Germany, these passes even include access to regional trains for day trips.
Remember to look beyond the basics. Some cities, such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, have excellent bike-share programs. Coastal towns might offer discounted ferry rides. Apps like Citymapper and Moovit are lifesavers, providing live updates so you’ll never feel lost.
4. Score Deals on Food and Activities
Food and activities can drain your budget faster than you expect. Start by avoiding tourist traps. Restaurants near famous attractions tend to be overpriced and underwhelming. So look for hidden gems on apps like Yelp or ask locals for their recommendations.
Street food and local markets are fantastic for cheap, authentic meals. City passes like the Paris Museum Pass bundle attractions at a fraction of the individual ticket price. Don’t overlook free experiences like festivals, art exhibits, hikes or outdoor concerts.
5. Use Digital Tools for Budgeting
You no longer need to create a complicated Excel spreadsheet or save a stack of paper receipts. Apps like TravelSpend help you track expenses, breaking them down into categories like food, transport and entertainment.
Simplify by setting daily spending limits. Seeing how much you’ve spent at lunch might make you rethink splurging on a fancy dinner. Use apps like XE Currency Converter to stay on top of exchange rates and avoid overpaying in foreign countries.
Photo Credit: TravelSpend

6. Always Pack Snacks and Water
Bringing snacks and a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest ways to save money while traveling. Airport and roadside convenience stores notoriously overcharge for essential items, and those impulse buys can quickly add up. Some airports overcharge so much that New York and New Jersey authorities released new laws stating that vendors couldn’t mark up prices by more than 10% compared to street prices.
Instead, stock up on nonperishable snacks like granola bars or dried fruit before your trip. They’re budget-friendly. These snacks are perfect for long flights, hikes, or sightseeing days when you don’t have time to sit down for a meal. Many airports and public spaces have free refill stations, so there’s no need to buy bottled water. You can buy a travel-friendly bottle with a built-in filter. This allows you to safely refill anywhere. This includes countries where tap water isn’t always drinkable.
7. Linger Longer
It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into a trip. However, staying on the go can be costly. It can also be stressful. Slow travel — spending more time in fewer places — reduces transport costs and allows you to explore more.
For example, instead of visiting multiple cities in a week, pick one or two and stay longer in each. You’ll have time to discover local gems tourists often miss, like a quiet park or a family-run cafe. Prolonged stays may also come with accommodation discounts, saving you money.
Travel Far, Spend Smart
Saving money while traveling doesn’t mean cutting corners on fun. You just need to make a few wise choices that let you stretch your budget without sacrificing the experience.
